Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils contain the highest quality pigments for unsurpassed lightfastness. They feature a buttery smooth color laydown and are easily blended and layered without waxy build up. The thick 3.8mm leads are break and water-resistant, smudge-proof and provide permanent, rich color. The lead is housed in premium California cedar wood casing with SV bonding to strengthen lead and resist breakage, while providing sharp fine lines and excellent point retention.